2018 Lexus LS 500: Redesign Info, Pricing, Release Date

Model Preview

The Lexus LS will be completely redesigned for the 2018 model year. Apart from a new platform and updated engine, the vehicle's name will change from the current LS 460 and become the LS 500. As the new flagship sedan for the brand, the car will join the soon-to-be-released LC 500 coupe in a two-pronged approach to wooing buyers at the upper end of the luxury segment.

The overall appearance of the LS 500 gains some of the sleek, low-slung appeal of the LC Coupe, sitting 0.6 inches lower than the outgoing LS 460. The car is over 200 pounds lighter than before thanks to an increased use of aluminum and ultra-high tensile steel.

Although its front spindle grille bears a close resemblance to most Lexus models, the vehicle's design involves a number of unusual touches. Look closely, and you may notice 6 side windows— both the front and rear door glass has been split into two. The vehicle's moonroof will also now be an outer-slide design to accommodate the vehicle's new profile.

Inside the cabin, drivers will benefit from a quieter driving experience thanks to active noise cancellation technology. The car will also offer a softer ride with an available air suspension that has the ability to automatically raise the vehicle and adjust the front seat bolsters to "welcome" drivers.

Under the hood, the big news is the addition of a new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine based on the automaker's experience in Formula 1 racing. It will produce 415 hp with 442 lb-ft of torque, a sizeable bump from the 386 hp and 367 lb-ft in the V8 of the outgoing LS 460. Lexus says the new LS will go from 0-60 mph in as little as 4.5 seconds with rear-wheel drive.

Also new is a 10-speed automatic transmission, a first for the brand. Previously, the LS was offered with an 8-speed system. Interestingly, Lexus says the gearbox has been designed to offer shifting speeds that it says will rival dual-clutch transmissions. Fuel economy figures have not yet been announced.

In terms of safety, the new LS is expected to rank highly thanks to the automaker's Safety System + suite of driver assistance technology. With an optional Advanced Safety Package, the car will offer pedestrian detection with the unique ability to avoid collisions while staying within the same lane. Expect to see the full range of assistance features like adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking and more.

Stay tuned for a full review closer to launch.

Pricing & Release Date

Official pricing has not yet been announced. For reference, the outgoing LS 460 starts at $73,495 with destination when equipped with rear-wheel drive. Opting for all-wheel drive adds $2,945 for an MSRP of $76,440. Note that this is all before factory options, which can boost pricing considerably.

Given the range of updates coming on the LS 500, we think it's reasonable to expect a sizeable price increase over the current vehicle. Check back for official pricing as soon as it becomes available. Based on our analysis, deals on the outgoing LS 460 have flattened out following an aggressive sales push in late 2016.